Improvement in pocket-pencils



MSAFFORDQ POCKET-PENCIL. v Y No.1173,0651. Patented Feb. 1,/1876.

. a v ...J f 4 wf i MARK sAEFonDfoF'MELROSE,

f oLEvELAnD, on JERSEY curr, NEW JERSEY."

IMPR'oi/EVMVENT lnprocgKET-PENCILS.

Specification forming part of Letters' Patent No. 173,065, dated February 1, 1876; application filed l 4 December 3, 1875.

To .all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MARK SAFFORD, of Melrose,.Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Pocket-Pencils, of Whichthe following is a specification:

The device embodying my improvement belongs to that class of pocket-pencils which are provided with cases or holders adapted to contain an ordinary lead-pencil; and the invention consists in a novel means o f engaging a sliding carrier, which propels the pencil in and out of the case or holder, with the pencil at any point of its adjustment therein.

A means for carrying out my improvement is illustrated in the drawings hereunto annexed and forming part of this specication, in which- Y v Figure 1 is a plan; Fig. 2,a longitudinal section 5 Fig. 3, a view, partly in section, of a modification; and Fig.- 4, a further modication.

l A plain tube, 1, or one presenting an interior surface h adapted to receive a lead-pencil, constitutes the case orholder, and may be formed by any ofthe means commonly employed in constructing metal tubes, or those made Yfrom any other material possessing the `characteristics essential in pencil cases or holders. It is provided with a longitudinal groove, 2,

through which projects a spur or iiange, 4, Y formed by turning inward the end of the elastic tongue 10, which extends from one edge of the sliding carrier 3. The elasticity of this tongue 10 gives it a tendency to spring outward, and in such 'a position itraises the spur or flange projecting from it, so as not to impede.

the .free passage of a pencil into the case or holder. When a pencil is inserted within the case or holder until its end 5 projects therefrom a suitable distance for use, the sliding carrier 3 is moved upon the case 1 until the -spur or iiange 4'is at the forward end of the slot 2, at which time the tongue 10 is forced or pressed inward until the spur or 'flange 4 is embedded in the pencil-stock, and thus secured to it. Any longitudinal reciprocation of the sliding holder'will` then be imparted to the pencil, whose point 5 may thus be drawn by it into the case for protection, or projected out of it for use in writing or otherwise marking.

'The spur or flange 4 may be substituted by a pin soldered to the under side of the tongue, or connected to the sliding carrier in any manner which will, permit its engagement with and withdrawal from the pencil-stock; and though one spur or flange will generally be sufticient, yet two or more may be supplied, as in Fig'.4. The spring tongue may be actuated by an independent sleeve, 7, moving on the sliding carrier 3, as in Fig. 4, where such a sleeve` presses the spring-tongue inwardly to force its engaging-spurs into vthe pencil. This sleeve 7 on the carrier 3 may have a rib upon it to. ait'ord a means ot' operating it, and its movements upon the carrier 3 may be limited by ribs or beads 8 thereon, and the carrier itself may be controlled in its longitudinal movevments Vby its spur or flange abutting against the ends of the slot v2, or by stops on the case 1. The spring-tongue df the modication shown in Fig. 4 may have a wedge-shaped projection upon it to aid the action of thesleeve 7, or such a wedgeor other projection may be upon the said sleeve. The spring-tongue may have a prong, 6, atits free end to facilitate its being raised to draw the spur out of the pencil. The. sliding holder may be a short tube sliding freely upon the exterior of the case, or

such a tube divided longitudinally, so as t0 clasp upon the case or holder. The tube or holder may be closed at its butt-end, or provided with any of the means common in attaching rubber erasers to or in tubular holders. Two forms of such devices are shown, but

neither is claimed to be novel. As theA pencil isworn away or resharpened at its marking end, it may be disengaged from the spur of its carrier 3, drawn fartherou't of the case, and

be re-engaged' with said spur, when it may be manipulated as before.v

By this device the ordinary lead-pencil is provided with a case or handle, which securely retains it in writing position, and protects its point when 'the pencil is drawn i'nto, it and placed into the pocket. It' 'also provides a` means for so adjusting'the pencil for use that it may be reduced to a short piece, and still be provided with a handle of sufficient length to provide for its Aefficient use.

What, therefore, is claimed is 1'. A pencil-holder consisting of a tubular case, adapted to receive a pencil within it, pro- 3. The combination of the lifting-prong 6 with the elastic finger of the sliding sleeve or vided with an exterior carrier, from which a carrier, substantially as shown and described.

spur or flange projects to engage with the pencil and propel it longitudinally in the case, substantially as shown and described.

2. A pencil-holder consisting of a tubular case, adapted to receive a pencil within it, provided with a sliding sleeve carrying an elastic linger, from which projects a spur or flange, to adjustably engage with the pencil and propel the same, substantially as described and shown.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

1 1MARK sAFFoRD.

Witnesses L. L. TOWER, R. FITZGERALD. 

